The World Cities Forum 2024, held in Incheon, South Korea, saw the participation of the State of Qatar, represented by Minister of Municipality H E Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah. The three-day forum aimed to address global health security and innovation in global health, discussing challenges faced by cities and the need for cooperation in global health security to prevent pandemics.
The forum also focused on topics such as healthy cities’ strategies, addressing the climate crisis, and innovation in the health field. In his opening remarks, H E Al Attiyah highlighted Qatar’s efforts to strengthen health, equity, and sustainable development through innovation, multi-factorial change, community engagement, and promoting health and well-being. Qatar has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the first country to have all its municipalities classified as healthy cities.
The Healthy City programme (HCP) in Qatar, part of the National Health Strategy, plays a crucial role in achieving this classification. The country aims to provide a healthy environment for its citizens and residents, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Qatar National Development Framework (QNDF). Qatar recently hosted the Eastern Mediterranean Region Healthy Cities Conference 2023, focusing on promoting health and well-being through a multisectoral approach.
Al Attiyah emphasized the importance of creating viable cities that support a healthy life, work, and education. Qatar’s efforts in promoting health and well-being align with the global visions and dynamics discussed at the World Cities Forum 2024. The forum serves as a platform for international cooperation in addressing health challenges faced by cities and adopting innovative strategies for global health security.
Qatar’s participation in the forum highlights its commitment to promoting health, equity, and sustainable development through collaboration and innovation. The country’s achievements in having all its municipalities classified as healthy cities demonstrate its dedication to creating a healthy environment for its residents. The Healthy City programme and other initiatives contribute to Qatar’s efforts in aligning with global health priorities and promoting well-being.
The State of Qatar’s involvement in the World Cities Forum 2024 showcases its leadership in addressing global health challenges and fostering international cooperation. By sharing its experiences and initiatives, Qatar contributes to the discussion on healthy cities, climate crisis, and innovation in the health field. The country’s emphasis on community engagement and multi-factorial change reflects its comprehensive approach to promoting health and well-being for all. Through its participation in such forums, Qatar continues to make strides towards achieving its vision of sustainable development and healthy cities.
